Starting by picking up the guitar at 8 years old, Dillon Degnan (12) found he had a passion for music. Over the years, Degnan has learned to play multiple instruments and has participated in many music-related activities.
Degnan was 8 years old when he picked up an instrument and played it for the first time.
“I found this dude named Eric Johnson, and he’s like Jesus at the guitar, I listened to him solo and play because he can improv everything amazingly,” Degnan said. “He inspired me, then I talked to my uncle about it, and he was like do you want to learn guitar and I was like yeah.”
After learning the guitar, Degnan soon started learning how to play different instruments.
“At first, it was the viola, because I love the sound of the cello and viola; both of these instruments are best at mimicking the warm tone and sound of a human voice singing,” Degnan said.
Once Degnan got into high school, he was offered many different music opportunities.
“So jazz is kind of do whatever you want as long as it sounds cool. Band and orchestra, you play what’s on the paper, and that’s it,” Degnan said. “Then with pit, it’s almost the same thing, but you get to play with people, acting and singing. It’s way more fun cause you’re more involved, and that’s why I like it way more than the other two.”
These different musical opportunities have led Degnan to meet new people, allowing him the opportunity to join his own band.
“I joined the band because my friend Landon said there was money involved, so that’s why I joined, because ultimately I don’t like playing jazz on the bass, and then we started getting gigs all over the place,” Degnan said. ” This band gives me a lot of experience on how to play professionally, since we rehearse a lot, I also play a lot, so it’s just better for more experience.”
Playing in a band has given Degnan experience to help him pursue a music career.
“After high school, I plan on continuing my music career by working in a studio and trying to make my own music,” Degnan said. “I know for a fact music is going to be a part of my life forever, so I will not take it for granted.”
In summary, since discovering his passion for music, Degnan has learned many different instruments and has joined many musical activities, allowing him to strengthen his professional playing skills and gain more experience to eventually pursue a music career.
